Giant Purple People Movers Invade Akron

Akron METRO had unleashed new purple buses on the highways traversing the Akron-Cleveland highway corridor. The local transit authority has revamped the express bus fleet with newer more colorful rides.

Not only was the nearly $3 million cost of new buses covered with ARRA dollars but the purple machines come with bike drawers and will soon be WiFi equipped. Yet another move towards public internet connectivity in Akron. An email sent by METRO announced the rollout of Molly and her purple friends:

New NCX Buses Are Here

Six new buses are being put into service on the NCX express routes. The new buses have a vastly different look to them and will be eye catching, to say the least. Eventually they will be WiFi enabled. The bike racks are in a "drawer" under the bus and the operator will be able to show you how to use it.

If you haven't seen one yet and would like to see a photo of the bus email Molly at communications@akronmetro.org

Thank you for your patience with our current fleet and we hope you enjoy the new buses. Each bus cost $497,000 and was purchased with stimulus funds.

The use of stimulus dollars is good in a couple of ways. The purchase of new buses demonstrates how the dollars are finding their way down to the local level. And with $3 million freed up METRO can think about dialing back the rate they charge for riding the North Coast Express.

That wold be the rate that was increased even after voters approved a sales tax increase. Did you think we forgot?